Every season has its colour and this winter - shining out from the racks of black and grey - it is definitely blue.
Whether it's Karen Walker or Kmart you're shopping at, it would have been hard to miss the fact that navy is back in a big way.
After winters of
black, it's refreshing to have an option that is just as versatile but somehow, perhaps because of its nautical association, feels not so wintry and glum.
It's just as slimming as old faithful black and looks great paired with accessories and gold jewellery.
Navy isn't the only hue of blue to be taking on the usual winter colours, though.
Straight-up primary blue, denim blue and icy blues are providing options for all lovers of the colour.
For fashion's sake, lagoon blue was officially declared this winter's blue hue by Pantone, the world's colour expert.
It's the colour of the Kate Sylvester dress on this page and, like the periwinkle blue of the Staxs coat, it's a shade that looks great on fairer women.
Blue eyeshadow, too, is back with a vengeance - but rather than the pale blue shade that may have some wincing with memories of the 80s, the shades for 2010 are darker-blue denims and navy.
For a subtle take on blue make-up, try dark blue eyeliner or blue mascara matched with a peachy or nude lip.
